Maths and Physics Society

On Thursday night, June 29, about 20 interested bods turned up in C3 to have explained to them the mysteries of "Polytopes" by D. Patterson, M.A., M.Sc., lecturer in Mathematics. The display on the bench of C3. soon told that Polytopes are nothing more than regular geometrical solids of any dimension, 2, 3, 4, and more. Mr. Patterson gave excellent explanations of the building up of the numerous three dimensional models arising from the five basic ones on the concepts of duality, reciprocation, and stellation. The comprehensive display of models made by himself, and the late Professor Sommerville, who incidentally was one of the first mathematicians to explore this branch of geometry, contributed much to the meeting. Imagination was taxed to the full when Mr. Patterson asked us to imagine a point in the fourth dimension in order to imagine the counterpart in four dimensions of the three dimension tetrahedron. In answer to the question "What practical importance has this particular branch of geometry?" it was explained that it gives great assistance in the study of the theory of groups, a theory used in advanced physics.

At the conclusion of the address supper was served, and over the warmth of a "cuppa" there was some very worthwhile discussion between students and staff, on the subject of polytopes and also on the problem of how to cut a sponge cake with a pocket knife.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 13, in A2, at 8 p.m. when Mr. R. J. Dippy, O.B.E., B.Sc.(Lond), A.M.I.E., will give an address cm "Navigational Aids for Civil Aviation." It is hoped that as many students as possible, maths and physics types and others, will come along. You are assured of an interesting evening and a good supper.